2 weeks Ago By TNM Staff
In a significant boost to Telangana’s aviation infrastructure, the Ministry of Defence has confirmed plans to develop the Indian Air Force (IAF) airfield in Adilabad into a full-fledged training establishment. Simultaneously, the IAF has given in-principle approval for the airfield to be used for civil aircraft operations. In a letter addressed to Union Minister of Coal and Mines G.
Kishan Reddy, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stated that the Indian Air Force envisages developing the Adilabad airfield as a training base in the future. “The Ministry of Defence is ready for developing the existing IAF airfield of Adilabad as a Joint User Airfield and to provide necessary assistance in this matter,” the letter, dated April 4, read. This comes days after the Defence Ministry informed the Telangana government of the IAF’s nod to the proposal for civil operations from Adilabad.
The communication, sent to the state’s Special Chief Secretary (Transport, Roads and Buildings), stated that the request had been examined in consultation with the IAF. According to the correspondence from Director IAF Sanap Bajirao Ramnath, the IAF suggested the airfield could be developed as a joint-use facility. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has been advised to acquire contiguous land for a civil terminal, aircraft parking apron, and supporting infrastructure.
The runway will also require resurfacing and link taxi tracks for integration with civil facilities. A detailed proposal is awaited from the AAI for issuance of a No Objection Certificate (NOC) by the IAF. The announcement follows the Centre's recent approval of the Mamnoor Airport project in Warangal.
Telangana Roads and Buildings Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy had last month urged Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu to expedite clearances for proposed airports in Adilabad, Bhadradri-Kothagudem, Peddapalli, and Nizamabad. However, Naidu had clarified that in several locations, restrictions from the Indian Air Force and Defence Ministry had delayed the process. In the case of Bhadradri-Kothagudem, the initially proposed site was found unfeasible, and an alternate location is now under consideration.
The dual-use development of Adilabad airfield marks a strategic collaboration between the defence and civil aviation sectors, and is expected to enhance regional connectivity while also strengthening military preparedness..
